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And to make it worse, she had changed into a different gown for tonight’s meeting. She had chosen a baby blue dress with white trimmings and overskirt. The white sleeves hung slightly on her shoulders, but she wore her elbow-length white gloves so that her arms were completely bare. She finished her accessories by wearing the pearl choker her grandmother had given her when Regina had her coming out ball a few years ago.
Her maid had styled her hair, pulling back most of her hair into a loose coil at the back of her neck, but left a thick lock of curly hair to hang over her shoulder. Regina didn’t know why, she hadn’t even dressed this nicely for the ball last night. Yet she went the extra mile to make certain she appeared elegant tonight.
She should turn her horse around and return home. If she had a lick of sense, she would. After all, she had escaped from being caught in a scandal last night, only to tempt fate once again this evening. Indeed, she had no sense at all.
Perhaps her need for answers was more important. She hated to believe it was the handsome man with the melting kisses that she had come to see.
She guided her horse to the back of the jewelry store. It surprised her to know that Wayne’s father owned this place, only because she knew how well business was and to think there were three other stores in Britain. Perhaps Wayne Nichols wasn’t as poor as she first thought.
She dismounted and tied her horse to the post before hurrying to the back door. With a trembling hand, she knocked. Wayne opened the door seconds later. She quickly walked inside before she changed her mind, even though she doubted that was an option at all since she continued to go forward with this soon-to-be scandal.
Wayne closed the door and motioned toward the corridor. “There is more light up front if you would rather talk there.”
She nodded and walked toward the light. Although he was correct, the light still wasn’t as bright as she would have liked. However, she was certain he was trying to keep the scandal from happening.
She licked her dry lips and turned toward him, lowering the hood of her cloak. He stepped closer to her and helped her remove the garment. Although there was no fire in the hearth, the coals were still red, which helped keep warmth in the room, which was what her garment needed since the weather had decided to sprinkle after she was well on her way.
“Why don’t you place my cloak over there?” She pointed toward the hearth.
“Indeed. We must keep your garment warm and dry.” He gave her a smile before leaving her side to stand by the hearth as he adjusted her outer garment on a nearby chair.
She gazed at his attire, realizing he had also prepared for their meeting tonight. He looked dapper in his gray suit-jacket, waistcoat, and trousers. The white of his cravat made his skin appear as if the sun had baked it. She loved the way his dark hair waved back on his head, not leaving anything to hide his incredibly handsome face.
He finally faced her, and his gaze moved slowly over her. It was a struggle not to lose her breath or sigh heavily with pleasure. She wished she wouldn’t enjoy the way he studied her, and especially the way her body reacted so quickly.
He took one step closer and stopped. “I’m glad you came.”
She shrugged. “I had no other choice. Either I come and get some answers or remain at home feeling as though I’m insane.”
“Indeed. This whole incident has been very confusing for both of us.”
He was too close. Putting space between them was what she needed right now. She stepped to the hearth and stopped near her cloak. “I hope you can provide me an explanation of last night.”
Wayne leaned back against the jewelry counter, crossing one ankle over the other. He held onto the ledge of the counter, drumming his fingers on the wooden frame. “I’ll do my best to answer your questions.”
“This afternoon, you made it sound as though you didn’t remember much.”
His wide shoulders drooped as he released a sigh. “That is correct. I only recall moments from when we were in the coach. I don’t even recall leaving the tavern where the earl had taken us.”
Regina frowned. “Jane’s father took you to a lowdown tavern? That’s odd.” She shook her head, knowing that didn’t have anything to do with the matter at hand. “However, earlier today, you mentioned that it wastoo coincidental. What did you mean?”
Wayne shifted, crossing his arms over his wide chest. “When I had asked you about getting intoxicated, you said you hadn’t. The truth is, I didn’t either, especially so badly that I don’t recall what happened the night before. I had only one drink at the tavern before my thoughts became foggy.”
She shook her head, remembering how she had felt dizziness entering her head, too. “I wish more things made sense. I, too, couldn’t think straight, and I had only one glass of wine. How can one get intoxicated on only one drink?”
“I don’t believe we were drunk. I think we were poisoned, but not enough to kill us.”
She kept silent as she allowed his comment to process in her head.Poisoned?Impossible since they were both in different places and yet had the same effects. Perhaps he was foxed now because his answer was ridiculous, and she couldn’t stop the laugh that sprang from her throat.
He scowled. “I don’t see the humor in this, Regina.”
“Forgive me,” she said, trying to keep a straight face. “However, your theory doesn’t make sense, either. How could we have been poisoned? And why? You were with the earl, and Harold is a very influential lord. Not only that, but you will soon be his son-in-law. Harold is the man who protects his family. He would have made certain that nobody causes harm to come to his family and friends.”
Wayne straightened. “Then can you tell me why I woke up this morning with a scattered memory? I felt fine when I arrived at the tavern with Lord Penrose, and not long afterward, I apparently walked out of the establishment and came home. Then, I somehow ended up at the Montague’s ball, but I don’t recall doing that, either.”
She shrugged. “I don’t know.” Immediately, she recalled something he had said, and all humor left her. “Wayne? Do you honestly believe I was poisoned, too? Is that why you said this situation was too coincidental?”
“That is what I believe, but why would somebody want to harm you like that?” He paused briefly. “Was someone doing it for revenge? Or perhaps you have a suitor who wanted to get you in a compromising situation.”
